States with constitutions that ban same sex marriage and civil unions: Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio and Utah. If you are Gay or Lesbian in one of these states, consider moving to Massachusetts, or Vermont or Connecticut. Celebrate freedom in a state that does not practice discrimination.

Charlezgrant, I just wanted to say thanks for the post. Sometimes it's hard to go day to day when something that you are isn't socially accepted. I'm very lucky to have friends and family that support me and love me. I couldn't and wouldn't want it any other way. Growing up in a small town I was always considered different, but now that I've moved, not very far but still, it sheds a new light on the subject. Knock on wood, no one has physically harmed me for being who I am and for that I'm thankful. It's nice to have fellow "family" out there or at least a supporter. Thanks again!

Social conservatives maintain that Gay people should not be deprived of their rights, but should not be entitled to special rights. They should not be allowed to marry or form any relationship similar to marriage, such as, civil unions. Marriage, then, is a special right only available to heterosexual couples.

What distinguishes special rights from ordinary rights? What other special rights are there and what are the ordinary rights?

Baby, you know if you’re not beautiful /Just cover it up /With make-up kits and perforated scalpel seams,/ We’ll do you right up/ I’m so obsessed with looking like celebrities/ Make myself throw up /But it’s all right cause one day I know I’ll be fine/ like everyone else.

You all are very humorous. In fact normally I'm pretty silent, I just read the postings of others, some of who I know and some I'd like to meet. It's good to know that the good ol' northwoods has a sense of humor about the topic. I'm assuming all of you are allies, but if not, let me know, and I can answer questions or try to reduce stereotypes that you may have. We're not as bad as some make us out to be. One bad one in a bunch ruins it for the rest of us, you know? Until I post again...

Originally posted by Dopey Dwarf:Definately don't move to Texas if you are gay. Texas is trying to ban homosexual couples from adopting or fostering a child. If this ban is put through, 2,000 children will be immediately affected and pulled from the homes they currently live in.

It's odd- people fear that having gay parents will make a child gay, when in reality it's having heterosexual parents that make one gay. (think of the humor in this please) My post is not mend to offend- I'm just P O'd at people's fear and ingnorance.

History has shown that knowledge and tolerance always conquer over faith and "tradition". Interracial marriages were illegal only so long ago, but now they're accepted and encouraged. Gay marriages will eventually be the same. But the pendulum will not move without a push!

Originally posted by Haley: Interracial marriages were illegal only so long ago, but now they're accepted and encouraged.

Haven't lived in the deep South have you Haley? Interracial marriages are legal, I don't know that they are encouraged. They are accepted in some places but in many other places they aren't. I lived in Alabama, interracial couples met racism daily.

I am the Mom of 2 Hispanic sons, one is Afro-Colombian. I can assure you racism is alive and well in the Northwoods and everywhere else.

Nell

More women die of lung cancer than breast cancer. If you smoke, quit. If you don't, don't start.

Originally posted by NurseNell:Haven't lived in the deep South have you Haley? Interracial marriages are legal, I don't know that they are encouraged. They are accepted in some places but in many other places they aren't. I lived in Alabama, interracial couples met racism daily.

Sadly, a lot of stuff is quite messed up in the deep south. Many people there hate anything that isn't explicitly white, straight, Christian and gender-specific. I have a friend who is gay and transgender who lives in Atlanta, however, and she faces little persecution. I'm sure there are ignorant jerks everywhere, but on the whole, American society has become more accepting of interracial marriages. It becoming legal is one sign of that.

I don't live in a rural area, nor do my sons. Racism is alive and well in many areas of the country. It's just more subtle in urban areas. The largest growth in KKK membership is in the populated east coast.

Atlanta is not indicative of the rest of Georgia, Alabama, or Mississippi.

My gay and lesbian friends often feel threatened, and that is in the Twin Cities which is considered gay friendly.

Nell

More women die of lung cancer than breast cancer. If you smoke, quit. If you don't, don't start.

I work for a company that has mills in FA, AL, GA, & LA "down south". I see friendly & open communications in & with all of the paper machine crews at all four locations. If racism is "rampant" down south, I sure don't see it at work. They even put up with a da-n yankee who talks way to fast for their taste.

I guess it's all about being a plain ol' redneck. Rednecks aren't just backroad, good ol' southern boys anymore. It's really in a new form, I guess it's not new, but by a different name and that would be intolerance. Which is closely related to ignorance.